Happenings — Issue No. 3

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Member Spotlight Join our growing Community Networking & Advertising Group! LOOKING TO SAVE ON YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES 314-643-7632 nierodains.com Michael D. Nieroda 3324 Rue Royale St St. Charles, MO 63301 info@CommonsGroup.CO CommonsGroup.CO 636-493-0307

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CONTENTS WESTERFELD BEE FARM PA G E 4 Take a look at a multi-generational farm in the heart of Orchard Farm. BUSINESS FEATURE PA G E 17 Vet Stop in New Town keeps our furry friends healthy and happy. HEALTH & WELLNESS PA G E 29 An overview of the health benefits of CrossFit from globally ranked competitor John Donjoian. EVENT SPOTLIGHTS PA G E 47 Spring is in the air, and that means events. Take a look at some of our highlighted events on the radar. NO.3 TAKE FLIGHT PA G E 1 0 Dan Hartman provides a bird’s-eyeview on getting your pilot’s license. FEATURED PETS PA G E 41 The twin edition! Twin dogs and twin boys provide a full life for the Szareks. PA G E 2 | C O N T E N TS

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editor’s letter happenings. M A G A Z I N E PART N ERS E d i tor /Pu b l i sher Z a c M e t c a l f Photogr a p hy & D es ign E l l i e M e t c a l f E d i tor i a l O f f ice 3 324 Rue Roy a l e St e . 206 St . C ha r l e s , M O 6 3 301 6 3 6 - 3 12-0422 As the final bits of Winter fall off the calendar, Spring is on the horizon—a time where the budding trees and rows of green crops begin to dot the landscape of the 370 Valley. It is a time that brightens our moods, with longer days encouraging us to jumpstart our new year’s resolutions for health and wellness. In this issue, we take a journey from seed to sky, as we highlight a multigenerational farming family in Orchard Farm and the unique aspects of getting your pilot’s license from a bird’s-eye-view. We also take a look at the health benefits of CrossFit, through the eyes of a globally ranked New Town Resident. As always, we want to extend a huge thank you to all of our partners and our title sponsor, The Commons. The community support for local businesses, entrepreneurs and events in this area has been truly amazing. Zac Metcalf Editor/Publisher THIRD ISSUE On the cover: Busy bees and honeycombs in Orchard Farm. Photo: Tyler Westerfeld. Inquiries: Please submit interest in becoming a partner to: zac@370valley.com or call: 636-312- 0422 PA G E 3 | E D I T O R’S L E T T ER T HHUB E

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WEST E R F E L D BE E FARM Along with the rich soil of the Orchard Farm area, comes a rich history of tradition and multi-generational farms. The Westerfeld Family is no exception and continues that tradition through a successful bee farm. Take a look at their story and how the relationship with the land that they have cultivated for over 80 years continues today.

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The plot of land I call home, for my family and our business, has seen a lot over the past 80 years. Just east of the Mississippi River, this land has seen floods and droughts. It has seen livestock and row crops. It gets its fair share of bikers, school commuters, and river traffic. Now, it even has bees. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to purchase my family's farmhouse in April of 2021. I am the 4th generation to call this house home, with the 5th generation now running about yelling “mamma” and “dadda” any chance he gets. My great grandfather built our house in the late 40s. My grandfather remodeled and added an addition in the early 70s. After having 18 inches of water on the main floor of the house from the flood of ‘93, it was gutted and remodeled again. Now, I feel truly blessed to get to raise my family here. Though what began 80 years ago as a fulltime farming operation for my great grandfather, my grandfather transitioned to farming during the summer while doing carpentry work in the winter. Now, my father and uncle take care of the farming while also running their own construction companies. Though I am proud of the farm and the history it holds, I felt the desire to try something unique that could be my own. Enter honeybees. ROOTED IN ST. CHARLES PA G E 5 | SP O T L I G H T

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PA G E F O U R| J O U R N EY After graduating college in 2019, I began to read every book the St. Charles library had about bees. Then, with some mild convincing, I was able to get my fiancé — now wife—on board, and we took a beginners beekeeping course with Three Rivers Beekeepers, a St. Charles County based beekeeping club. This is when our journey as beekeepers truly began. After attending the beginners course, we ordered starter hives—called nucleus colonies—from another member of Three Rivers. We drove to Chillicothe, Mo. to purchase our beehives and equipment from a beekeeper there who makes—or locally sources—all of his beehives. We set up our apiary, planted some flowers, and tested out all of our equipment while we waited for our hives to be ready. One Saturday morning in May of 2020, we borrowed my Father-in-Laws pickup truck, packed our veils, and headed to pick up the bees. Thankfully, we were able to get our nucs home and transitioned into their hives smoothly, and our first summer as beekeepers truly began. I consider that first summer to have been in and of itself a learning course, because there is no better way to learn than from hands-on experience. We were stung, we had swarms, we made mistakes and learned from them—but in the end, our two hives produced 60 pounds of the best honey we’ve ever tasted. It was delicious, and we were hooked. After a successful inaugural season, we were fully consumed by the joys of beekeeping. The following spring, we purchased two hives from a retiring beekeeper and made a few new “WE HAD 12 HIVES PRODUCE 2,100 LBS OF HONEY. A LITERAL TON!”

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colonies by splitting our own hives, taking our number of colonies from two to seven. 2021 was another successful year for the bees, with four colonies producing 400 lbs of honey. While I love honey, this was more than I could eat on my own. In order to sell some honey to help pay for the cost of the bees and equipment, we decided to start a small business and formed Westerfeld Bee Farm, LLC. Primarily selling through our beekeeping Facebook page, we sold out of our honey that November. In 2022 we increased our number of hives again from seven to ten by splitting our colonies in the spring. Splitting hives is a way to increase your number of hives, and is a method to prevent bees from swarming. 2022 was very dry, but the bees blessed us with another great season. We had seven hives produce 1100 pounds of honey. In addition to selling through our Facebook page, we partnered with La Belle Vie—the Cafe at Frenchtown. La Belle Vie uses only our local honey in their coffees and teas. The demand for honey remained strong, and we sold out in January of 2023. 2023 was a year for the record books for Westerfeld Bee Farm. By splitting our hives and catching two local swarms, we increased our apiary to 15 hives. The weather again trended very dry, with rainfall very scattered. Conditions must have been ideal for the bees though, as we had 12 hives produce 2,100 lbs of honey! A literal ton! As the excitement around a record harvest wore off, worry started to creep in. How in the world would we ever sell a ton of honey? We are very thankful to be able to find some great partnerships with some amazing local businesses. You can PA G E 8 | SP O T L I G H T

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now find our honey for sale at La Belle Vie, Whistle Stop 301 in St. Peters, Blooming Daisy Marketplace in Cottleville and still direct through our Facebook page. As I write this looking ahead to the 2024 beekeeping season, I can safely say there are no expansion plans on the horizon. 2023 pushed me to my limits trying to balance my engineering career, a young family and the bees. I hope to maintain 12-15 honey producing colonies each year, and aim to produce as much honey as I can. The honey sales go right back into the business for purchasing better equipment, making my bee work more efficient and allowing me to spend more time with my family. I am still a few years off from getting any free labor from my son in the bee yard, but I do hope to share this hobby with him as he gets older. Similar to what has been passed down through farming, I hope beekeeping can help show my son how to work hard, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy what you do. While I can imagine the reaction my grandpa would have if he was here for me to tell him that I wanted bees on the farm— “What? Bees? What do you want a bunch of stinging bugs around here”—I hope he looks down and smiles at how the bees have become a way of life on the farm. To purchase honey from Westerfeld Bee Farm, please visit their FB Page here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Westerfel d-Bee-Farm-LLC-100069770397032/ happenings. S P O T L I G H T PA G E 9 | SP O T L I G H T

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Take Flight AGUIDETO GETTING YOUR PILOT’S LICENSE VIEWFROMTHE COCKPIT WWW.MYPILOTRESOURCE.COM

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“A mile of road can take you one mile. A mile of runaway can take you anywhere.” - Unknown Author From the moment I took control of an aircraft as a 17-year-old Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, the allure of the skies has been an indelible part of my life. As the son of a Naval Aviator turned airline pilot, my childhood was steeped in wonder and allure of aviation. This legacy propelled me into a journey that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding, shaping my path through the clouds and offering me a unique perspective on training that I am eager to share. 11 HAPPENINGS. ADVENTURE.

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influence your training and certification choices. Choosing the Right Certificate for Your Journey Many potential student pilots are unaware that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers multiple types of initial pilot certificates, each catering to different aspirations and commitments. Among these are the Sport Pilot and Private Pilot certificates, offering Defining Your Flight Path Embarking on an aviation career or pursuing flying as a hobby requires thoughtful consideration of your goals and aspirations. Questions such as, "Do I aim to become a career pilot?", "How many passengers do I envision carrying?", and "Am I ready to navigate the FAA Medical Process?" are pivotal. Additionally, understanding the logistical commitments, like long-distance travel capabilities, can significantly HAPPENINGS. ADVENTURE. 12

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13 HAPPENINGS. ADVENTURE. Training Requirements: Candidates must complete a minimum of 20 hours of flight time, inclusive of 15 hours with an authorized instructor and 5 hours of solo flight. Privileges: Holders can pilot light-sport aircraft during the day under VFR conditions, carry one passenger, and explore airspace with certain restrictions. distinct pathways tailored to the aspirations of budding aviators. Sport Pilot Certificate Eligibility: Must be 17 years and older (16 for gliders and balloons), this certificate simplifies the medical clearance process, allowing candidates to use a valid U.S. driver’s license in lieu of a traditional medical certificate, with specific exceptions.

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ratings), and carry passengers with greater flexibility in cost-sharing arrangements. The Distinctive Paths of Sport and Private Pilot Certificates The choice between a Sport and Private Pilot certificate hinges on personal aspirations, health considerations, and commitment levels. Sport Pilot certificates offer an accessible entry point for recreational flyers, minimizing medical and training prerequisites. In contrast, the Private Pilot certificate demands a greater investment in training but rewards with expansive flying privileges and fewer restrictions on aircraft Private Pilot Certificate Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old and obtain a third-class medical certificate from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Training Requirements: A more rigorous path, requiring a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours solo. Privileges: This certificate unlocks the potential to pilot a wide range of aircraft, navigate all classes of airspace, undertake night and instrument flights (with appropriate Curious where to start, have aviation questions, or already a student pilot? Head on over to: www.mypilotresource.com! This site is equipped with an AI assistant which can be used as a tool to assist you on your aviation journey. The site also offers memberships with additional benefits such as online Groundschool. HAPPENINGS. ADVENTURE. 14

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15 HAPPENINGS. ADVENTURE. necessitates a careful selection of both ground school and flight training facilities. Notably, not all flight schools accommodate light-sport aircraft, so aligning your certification goals with available resources is crucial. Ground School: Laying the Foundation I advocate for completing ground school before taking to the skies. The cockpit, while exhilarating, is far from an ideal learning and operational conditions. You can always pursue your Private Pilot certificate later on if you become a Sport Pilot first. It's also a requirement that that a Sport Pilot become a Private Pilot first if you wish to later pursue a Commercial Pilot certificate. Preparing for Takeoff: Ground School and Flight Training Embarking on your flight training journey in the Saint Louis area, or anywhere else,

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but also ensures a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime of aviation adventures. Final Thoughts The journey to becoming a pilot, whether for leisure or as a career, is a testament to the human spirit's desire to conquer the skies. For me personally, it's an experience of pure joy and freedom and it is one of my favorite ways to spend my time. It's a path defined by rigorous training, stringent certifications, and an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence. As you chart your course through this challenging and rewarding field, remember that safety comes first above all else and if you are not having fun you are doing it wrong! Dan Hartman started flying at 17 years old and first soloed an airplane at that age. His father was a career Naval Aviator and Airline Pilot and his brother is also a pilot in the US Air Force. Over the years Dan has gone on to obtain many Pilot Endorsements in his logbook including his High Performance Aircraft Endorsement, Complex Aircraft Endorsement, Spin Endorsement. Dan is also a certified Ground Instructor and the founder of www.mypilotresource.com environment. Grasping the fundamentals of flight, navigation, and communication on the ground can alleviate the overwhelming influx of information experienced in the air. The Path Forward With ground school under your belt and the FAA written exam—valid for two years— completed, your focus can shift entirely to mastering the art of flight and preparing for the practical examination. This strategic approach not only streamlines your training HAPPENINGS. ADVENTURE. 16

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We sat down with St. Charles Resident Dr. Beckeman. Dr. Beckeman is the operator of Vet Stop—a full-service veterinary clinic in the heart of New Town. Happenings: Hi Dr. Beckeman, thank you for taking the time to meet with us. Tell us a little about your background and how you became involved in animal care. Dr. Beckeman: So, I guess how I got started and became interested in pet care is growing up in Arnold and visiting my Grandfather’s farm in Van Buren, Mo. —I enjoyed taking care of and looking after the animals on the farm. In college, I wasn’t initially interested in veterinary care, but during my senior year I needed to take an agriculture class to have an Ag credit as a part of my studies. I ended up loving it and then decided to get into Vet School and graduated in ‘96 from Mizzou. Dr. Beckeman: The bulk of my work after college was for a clinic in Fenton, Mo. for 18 years, and we moved here in 2017. At that time, I recognized the need for New Town to have a Veterinary Clinic. As I was close to retirement age, I wasn’t sure that I was wanting to invest in anything. However, I was walking the dogs through New Town one day and saw a sign that said, “Vet Stop Coming Soon”. I went home, called that day and got an interview with Dr. McKnight—she started the New Town office following her dream. Happenings: That is a wonderful story. And, when it comes to pet care, what types of services do you provide. Dr. Beckeman: We are a full-service clinic —from routine vaccines to surgeries and managing complex diseases. For surgeries, I specialize in orthopedics and soft tissue. With us being in Missouri, the temperatures can warm quickly, so we recommend all pets to be on heartworm and flea and tick medication year-round. Happenings: I am sure you have a lot of success stories, but is there one particular recovery that a pet has made that really stands out? Q & A WITH DR. BECKEMAN AT VET STOP PA G E 1 7 | B U SI N ESS F EAT U RE

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Dr. Beckeman: Sure. We had one parvo case—a virus that affects the intestinal track, and there is no cure for it. Usually it is a couple of days where we treat the pets symptomatically and they either make it or don’t within that timeframe. But, this one lab puppy we ended up treating for nearly three weeks, and he ended up pulling through. I think it shows the resilience that pets have—even at such a young age. Happenings: Success stories like that are why it is so important to have pet care nearby and accessible. With both living and working in New Town, what do you enjoy about this area most? Dr. Beckeman: We moved out here because my brother-in-law lives in New Town and we have other family nearby in St. Charles. I love the sense of community here. It has that kind of small town feel, but yet it is still a part of St. Charles. I like working here due to the fact that I get to know my clients and see them out and about. This allows me to partner with the owners when it comes to their pet’s care— seeing them walking with their pets, I can see their progress in real-time. By observing them outside of work, I think that helps to provide the pets with the best care possible. Even though I am fear free certified, the pets are so much more relaxed in an outside environment and less guarded overall. Happenings: That extended care is definitely a benefit to having your place of work be in the same neighborhood. That brings me to my final question. Other than having pets on a routine preventative care program, what is your top recommendation to pet owners when it comes to caring for their pets at home? PA G E 1 8 | B U SI N ESS F EAT U RE

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Dr. Beckeman: Exercise and nutrition. Your pet’s weight management is a huge key to their longevity. Pets are notoriously resilient, so they may seem fine when eating a not-so-healthy diet, but that will catch-up with them at some point. The number one thing a pet owner can do to keep pets healthy is to keep them thin. Overweight pets have a shorter lifespan. Maintaining a diet is better for their joints and better for their health overall. And, that is something that pet owners have complete control over. People love their pets and at times do want to give them treats. We just encourage controlled portions—instead of a full treat, give them half. Happenings: Thanks so much for talking with us today, Dr. Beckeman. It is nice to have a place in the neighborhood to look after our pets and create a healthy atmosphere for them to thrive in the community. We wish you and the clinic all the best in the future. Dr. Beckeman, Veterinarian at Vet Stop https://vetstopanimalclinics.com/new-townlocation/ At the New Town location, along with Dr. Beckeman, is Dr. Miller every other Saturday. Dr. Miller practices at Vet Stop in St. Peters—a large facility with supervised daycare, attentive boarding, and in-house grooming. It is also a firstclass medical facility housing Dr. Smith and Dr. Thornberry. PA G E 1 9 | B U SI N ESS F EAT U RE

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I am often reminded I am not just an attorney, but an attorney and counselor. In dealing with the somber topics of incapacity and mortality, conversations often delve into fears, hopes, insights, and concerns and sometimes just listening and being there is as important as legal advice. This human and personal aspect is what attracted me to this practice. Daily, I assist people who want to make sure that their kids or families are taken care of when the inevitable occurs, and I help them to prepare the necessary legal instruments to accomplish their goals. At the end of the day, my service provides security and comfort to my clients and their families. Estate planning is very personal and requires a great deal of trust. By running a small, virtual office, I am not confined by the ridged structure of larger firms and can focus on building personalized relationships, typically at my client’s kitchen table. This approach Uncertainty regarding the future will always be part of the human condition, and as long as uncertainty exists, we will do our best to plan and adapt. Estate planning focuses on the broad range of “what-if” scenarios facing everyday people and prepares for a litany of potential unknowns. As an attorney and owner of a small law office focused on estate planning, I help clients navigate such ambiguities and chart a path through the legal complexities presented by potential incapacity and death. While my services focus on the legal aspects of estate planning, ESTATE PLANNING Navigating Life’s Uncertainties By Matthew J. Williams PA G E 20 | F I N A N C IAL WE L L N ESS

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H A P P E N I N G S M A G A Z I N E CEO OF RIMBERIO COMPANY Leadership & Management anim ipsum veniam deserunt laborum do velit tempor deserunt enim laborum in aute culpa consectetur nulla aliquip elit Lorem do tempor voluptate est voluptate dolor cillum consectetur nulla esse eu qui proident occaecat irure fugiat dolor est anim aliqua ipsum cillum nulla deserunt nulla consequat ut nisi aute fugiat pariatur creates a unique and effective method of building trust, learning the client’s specific needs, and developing tailored legal instruments to meet those needs. This approach also allows me the flexibility to meet clients in rural communities across the state and provide services where access to adequate counsel is limited. At the end of the day, I provide the client with peace of mind during their lifetime, and I reduce the stress families face when they lose a loved one. Yet as common place as estate planning has become, there is still a gap in common knowledge as to what the practice entails. Many people ask, “What is estate planning?” Think of estate planning as the process of establishing a roadmap of your intentions regarding the control and management of yourself and your assets in the event of incapacity or death and preparing the necessary legal instruments to support your plan. Often, prospective clients will be unfamiliar with the process or have preconceived notions either from previously participating in the probate process or from pop culture. In my practice, I regularly face the need to bust myths and counsel clients about the approaches and benefits of estate planning. The first common myth is that estate planning is for the old or the wealthy. Yet, we all face uncertainty, and we all have assets and loved ones that could be jeopardized in the event of unforeseen circumstances. A single accident or an unfortunate illness could incapacitate a person and render such a person unable to execute an estate plan, leaving them and their family subject to guardianships, conservatorships, or even probate. The second common myth is that the Last Will and Testament is the end all of estate planning. A Will does provide a place to name guardians for children and does serve to distribute assets held in your name. However, a Will must be probated to be given power, and most clients wish to avoid probate due to its public nature, cost, and duration. Additionally, a Will is only effective after death, rendering it ineffectual for purposes of incapacity. In order to address such deficiencies, other legal instruments are required. Advanced directives address the shortcomings regarding incapacity. Advanced directives include Healthcare Declarations, Living Wills, and Durable Powers of Attorney for financial matters. These documents allow you to name people who will serve if you are incapacitated and allow you to specify your intentions as to your health and medical preferences. Having agents named and your preferences defined ensures you receive the care and treatment you prefer, even if you cannot speak to your care providers, and allows your financial matters to be handled by a trusted friend or family member instead of a court appointed agent.

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H A P P E N I N G S M A G A Z I N E CEO OF RIMBERIO COMPANY Leadership & Management anim ipsum veniam deserunt laborum do velit tempor deserunt enim laborum in aute culpa consectetur nulla aliquip elit Lorem do tempor voluptate est voluptate dolor cillum consectetur nulla esse eu qui proident occaecat irure fugiat dolor est anim aliqua ipsum cillum nulla deserunt nulla consequat ut nisi aute fugiat pariatur A Revocable Trust can avoid probate and keep your distributions private. Probate provides a mechanism for assets held only in your name to be transferred to another person after death. A Revocable Trust serves as a bucket for your assets, meaning your assets are held in your Trust’s name and not your own, which allows the Trustee to transfer the asset according to your direction and avoid probate. Typically, a “Pour-Over” Will is used in conjunction with the Trust as a safety net to transfer any assets into your trust which are either held in an individual’s name or obtained after death. Further, Revocable Trusts also direct how assets will be managed and handled in the event of your incapacity. This feature allows you to rely on your Trustees to ensure you receive care and resources from your Trust during your life. The synergy of Advanced Directives, a Trust, and Will together can provide a firm foundation for protecting you and your assets during incapacity and providing a mechanism for distributing of assets on your death. My practice is about building trust and serving my clients. While uncertainty will always exist, having a well-tailored estate plan can help provide a great deal of certainty in the event of incapacity or death. Everyday, I get to serve people and help clients and their families prepare for and get through the worst times of their lives, which is the most rewarding career I can imagine. DISCLAIMER: Choosing a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. The views and opinions expressed herein are based solely on the facts, opinions, circumstances, and/or other particulars of specific or general situations. Past performance is not indicative of future outcomes or results. Any legal information offered or provided herein is not formal legal advice. Communication or posting of information does not form an attorney-client relationship with The Law Offices of Matthew J. Williams. PA G E 22 | F I N A C N IAL WE L L N ESS

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B O SCHE R T G R E E NWAY U P DAT E Boschert Greenway was first built in 2008 in partnership with Great Rivers Greenway and the City of St. Charles, now stretching from the KATY Trail through Fox Hill Park and out to Boschertown Road and then New Town Blvd. Thousands of people have used this greenway to connect to nearby destinations, commute, exercise, connect to nature and make memories with their friends and family. That northernmost segment of the greenway, between Boschertown Road and New Town Blvd, was built on top of a small levee, and bald cypress trees were planted alongside. While they provide beauty and shade, this species also has major roots systems and “knees” which poke back up to be visible above ground. They’ve caused major buckling of the asphalt trail over the years, to the point of closing that segment of greenway for safety concerns. Unwilling to close that connection permanently, the partners worked together to form a plan. Unfortunately, those trees needed to be removed – they are simply incompatible with a trail-topped levee. The trees are being removed now and the trail will be redone next, re-opening by the end of April 2024. After a few months of monitoring, the experts will re-assess what further improvements might be needed to the trail’s surface. PA G E 23 | D EVE L O P M E N TS

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Furthermore, while the partners cannot replant trees along the levee next to the trail, there are tree planting plans in the works at other public lands in St. Charles, to align with both agency’s conservation goals. The City of St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department and Great Rivers Greenway are working together to identify locations, either in a traditional park setting or as part of one of our conservation projects, to plant new trees to off-set the loss of canopy along this segment of the Boschert Greenway. Thanks for your patience and understanding as the team works through making sure that the greenway is safe, accessible and enjoyable by thousands of people for years to come! Emma Kleus VP of Communications & Outreach info@grgstl.org PA G E 24 | D EVE L O P M E N TS

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TWIN SILOS NEIGHBORHOOD T.R. Hughes introduces the Twin Silos Neighborhood, a new residential development located off Church Road in Orchard Farm. Comprising 12 homes, this community offers a balanced mix of space and customization options for homeowners. The development's key features include fiveacre lots, allowing for ample space and the option to build a personalized home through an individual plan or one of T.R. Hughes' predesigned layouts. Residents can also enjoy the flexibility of having horse stables on their properties. Inside the homes, practical upgrades include kitchen and bathroom countertops, 9-11' ceilings, stainless-steel appliances and an oversized kitchen island. The exterior design PA G E 25 | D EVE L O P M E N TS

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incorporates brick and/or stone elevations, well and septic systems, carriage-style garage doors and optional outbuildings that can match the home's appearance. The Twin Silos neighborhood falls within the Orchard Farm School District, covering Orchard Farm Elementary, Orchard Farm Middle School, and Orchard Farm High School. Entrance of Twin Silos PA G E 26 | D EVE L O P M E N TS

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN COX Every January and February, the Mississippi River near Grafton, IL, becomes a haven for eagle enthusiasts like photographer Stephen Cox. Armed with his camera, Stephen captures stunning shots of eagles in flight and perched on branches as they migrate through the area. He eagerly participates in events like eaglewatching festivals and weekend outtings, seizing unique opportunities to observe and document these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. To keep up with his latest photos or to order prints of any of the images shown, you can reach out to Steve on his Instagram accounts shown below. NEWTOPIA PHOTOGRAPHY

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FEATURED ATHLETE New Town Resident & Globally Ranked CrossFit Competitor John Donjoian John Donjoian is currently ranked as one of the top 50 CrossFit competitors in the world for his age group. We sat down with John to learn his story and the health benefits of CrossFit. Zac: Hi John, thanks so much for taking the time today. I am not all that familiar with CrossFit. Can you tell us a bit how you became involved and the different aspects of the sport? John: Sure, so CrossFit started gaining traction in 2002 and 2003, but I did not get to it until around 2008. Before CrossFit, I used to race mountain bikes but had never really done many sports in my high school and college days. In a way, I attribute that to my longevity with CrossFit—I am 56 years old, but do not have a lot of nagging injuries that may have come from sports early on. I did have to go through a learning curve when it comes to the myriad activities that are included in CrossFit— such as running and swimming. My initial exposure to the idea of CrossFit was actually in Outside Magazine. They covered a lot of emerging things, and one of them happened to be CrossFit. In CrossFit, you kind of do everything pretty well, but you are not an expert in one particular thing. One quote that stands out to me is that you can “outlift a runner and outrun a weightlifter”. That really piqued my interest. Zac: That sounds like a great segue into the sport. Where did you initially begin to train for CrossFit, and what kind of barriers did you hit initially? John: Actually, I started nearby here at TNT Fitness off of New Town Blvd. Over time, it started out as 2 days of CrossFit and 3 days on the bike—but the ratio progressively shifted over the years. As for entry barriers, there are so many domains in CrossFit. There is the weightlifting aspect—which is aligned with the Olympic style of lifting. This takes a lot of skill. Positioning and the way you move is so precise. So, aspects like that require a lot of attention and practice to do them correctly. And, then there is the gymnastics piece of CrossFit with ringwork, handstands and pullups that I really had never done. So, the PA G E 29 | H EAL T H & WE L L N ESS E m e r g i n g fr o m t h e p o o l a t T h e L e g e n d s Ch a m p i o n s h i p s . photos by: Leah Almstedt Media & Fitness

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PA G E 30 | H EAL T H & WE L L N ESS required fitness level in those various domains had a learning curve, but I think that is part of the allure of the sport—you get to become involved in so many different disciplines. Now, I do have all of those skills, but there are so many points of improvement that I can still make in each discipline. Zac: As for moving into competitions, how did that come about? John: Actually, here at the gym there was a local competition they used to host, and I entered that into what is called the scaled division. That definitely whetted my appetite for competing. From there, we did a regional competition in Springfield, Mo. As I started CrossFit in my 40s, I was older than most of the competitors. From day one, that put me in the masters division. Beginning in 2012, CrossFit started having what they called “The Open”— this is an online competition that releases one workout per week, and competitors submit videos to be judged. People all over the world can tackle these workouts and provide submissions. Immediately, I was able to compete against people in my own age group —and I ended up doing quite well. Now, there are four rounds, with the final round being the CrossFit Games. In the past 10 years, I have moved my way up to consistently being ranked in the top 50 worldwide for my age group. Zac: The CrossFit community seems very well connected an encouraging. Can you speak more to that and how that helps both avid competitors and beginners alike? John: It’s like a club. We are all competitors but also friends. First and foremost, CrossFit is generally fitness classes. So, those classes are usually about an hour long. There is a lot of socializing that goes on—where you talk about the plan for the day and the different movements that are involved. People go through the workouts together, and there is a coach involved that helps to unify everyone. R o p e Cl i m b s a r e s o m e ti m e s p a rt o f t h e Cr o s s F it wo r k o u t. T h e Cl e a n & J e r k , a n O l y m p i c L i ft.

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Ce l e b r a ti n g t h e e n d o f t h e f ir s t e v e n t wit h m y j u d g e . Du m b e l l m o v e m e n t s a r e fr e q u e n tl y a p a rt o f Cr o s s F it. S h a ri n g t h e f i n a l e v e n t wit h m y wi f e . “Cr o s s o v e r s ” a t T h e L e g e n d s Ch a m p i o n s h i p .

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When it is a day that ends up being a difficult workout, another unifying factor is that everyone has suffered and made it through together. That can go a long way to keep folks engaged and wanting to make gains. Zac: Are there benefits to CrossFit, other than improving fitness? John: Absolutely. One of the most important aspects of CrossFit is related to diet and nutrition. Forgetting about all of the competitive stuff that I have done—the gains that I have made and the competitions—the nutrition piece of CrossFit has had more impact on my life than anything else. The real core philosophy is to control processed foods. I have been avoiding processed foods for ten years. When I showed up to CrossFit, I had reflux and regular headaches. All of those ailments are now gone. That alone, is a reason for anyone to get into CrossFit. As for the physical aspect, that is all scaled, too. So, regardless of your age and ability, you can excel in the amount of weight or cardio that you can handle at that time. Zac: It really seems like an all-inclusive sport for both avid competitors and all walks of life. Thank you so much for taking the time today. Lastly, what is the next competition on the radar, what do your prospects look like and what do you most enjoy about living in New Town? John: I immediately fell in love with this area. I can’t say enough about how much we enjoy the neighborhood. It is so walkable and restaurants are nearby. Right here we have a great community. Frenchtown and Downtown St. Charles are also close. Within a 7 mile radius, I think we have everything we need— from recreation to necessities. As for the next competition, the Worldwide Open is on February 29, then the quarter-finals, then the semi-finals and then the CrossFit games in Birmingham, Ala. There will be thirty competitors out of my age group—and I hope to make that. Zac: Sounds great. We certainly wish you the best of luck! W it h s o m e o f m y f e l l ow 5 5 - 5 9 y e a r o l d c o m p e tit o r s . Ha n d s t a n d wa l k s wit h a h e a v y b a r b e l l l i ft i n E v e n t 3 .

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PA G E F O U R| J O U R N EY FOOD & DRINK Korean Pancake (Pajeon) Recipe Ingre d ient s : 2 s t a l k s (200g) gr e en onions 1 cup w a t e r mi x ed s e a food 1 cup Kor e an panc a k e mi x 1 / 4 cup cook ing oi l 2/ 3 tbsp minc ed ga r l i c j a l apeño chopped f l a vor ed s a l t eggs Ins t ruct ions : Q ua r t e r the gr e en onions l ength w i s e . Then, chop into thi rds or qua r t e r s w i th the di ame t e r of the f r y ing pan in mind. C hop the j a l apeño on the di agona l into pi e c e s . In a bo w l , ma k e the ba t t e r by thoroughl y combining the Kor e an panc a k e mi x , w a t e r , minc ed ga r l i c , f l a vor ed s a l t and mi x ed s e a food. Ins t ruct ions (cont inue d ) : Sl ight l y be a t the eggs and s e t a s ide . Add the gr e en onions , j a l apeño to the ba t t e r and thoroughl y combine G ene rous l y coa t the f r y ing pan w i th cook ing oi l and s e t to medium he a t . Spr e ad the pa j eon ba t t e r e v enl y onto the f r y ing pan. When the bot tom i s cook ed, pour the eggs e v enl y ov e r the j eon. F l ip the pa j eon to cook both s ide s e v enl y . O nc e the pa j eon i s cook ed, turn up the he a t to ge t a golden bro w n color . PA G E 3 3 | F O O D & D RI N K happenings. F O O D & D R I N K

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en Ellie Sojin Metcalf, Food Columnist, Happenings Magazine. joy by dipping into soy s auc e PA G E 3 4 | F O O D & D RI N K

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Currently, we provide a platform on Facebook and other social media channels for members to connect with fellow bourbon aficionados. Additionally, we publish monthly articles aimed at providing insights into exceptional bottles and compiling a list of noteworthy additions for your collection. We are excited to announce our upcoming tasting events, designed to offer members the opportunity to sample quality bourbons while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded connoisseurs. Stay tuned for updates on these events through our publication, Facebook group, and website. The St. Charles Bourbon Society is a membership-based organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the appreciation of bourbon whiskey. Through a combination of membership benefits, informative blogs, exclusive tasting events, and more, we aim to cultivate a vibrant community of bourbon enthusiasts. Our mission is to educate, entertain, and connect individuals who share a passion for the rich history, craftsmanship, and diverse flavors of bourbon. The St. Charles Bourbon Society is continually expanding, offering an array of benefits centered around the values of culture, collaboration, and 35 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE

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sipping tools. Show your pride in being part of our wonderful community dedicated to celebrating the appreciation of bourbon whiskey by purchasing our merchandise. www.stcharlesbourbonsociety.com In the near future, we will introduce additional membership tiers that grant access to discounts on bourbon experiences across St. Charles County. These discounts will extend to participating restaurants and liquor stores throughout the county, allowing our members to explore new establishments that share our passion for bourbon culture. Join our community on Facebook, where you can engage with fellow bourbon enthusiasts. Visit our website to discover and acquire some of our recommended 37 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE

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Mardi Gras in Frenchtown kicked-off their annual celebration that brings the spirit of New Orleans to the heartland. The historic streets of the area, with their charming brick facades and 19th-century architecture, transformed into a lively carnival of colors, music and revelry during this festival. The festivities kicked off with a parade along Second Street, featuring elaborate floats, parade attendees, and costumed revelers. Spectators waved and caught beads and other trinkets tossed from the floats. A common sight and highlight are the decked-out golf carts that are becoming more prevalent in the area. One of the features looked forward to most during Mardi Gras in St. Charles is the vibrant and diverse array of costumes worn by participants. Locals and visitors alike don elaborate outfits, masks, and face paint, contributing to the kaleidoscope of Mardi Gras colors that flood the streets. The creativity on F R E N CHT OWN MAR D I G RAS PA G E 3 8 | EVE N TS

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TOP: Decorated Floats made their way through the parade crowd—often adorned with the signature purple, yellow and green colors of Mardi Gras. LEFT: Live Zydeco Music hit the stage at the Foundry Art Centre. C O O KI N G C LASSES| C AT ERI N G | M EAL PLA N S 6 3 6 - 3 12-0909 PA G E 3 9 | EVE N TS

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TOP: a motorcade made its way through the crowd and high-fived kids along the way. display reflects the community's enthusiasm for embracing the festive spirit of Mardi Gras —rooted in French and New Orleans culture from a history as one of the main trading posts between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers during the early 19th Century. As the parade wrapped, spectators made their way to the grounds of the Foundry Art Centre to take part in live Zydeco Music, Cajun and Creole cuisine offered by local food trucks and arts & crafts from vendor booths. Frenchtown, with its charming boutiques and cafes, has become a focal point for this annual celebration—one that hopes to continue for years to come. happenings. E V E N T S PA G E 40 | EVE N TS LEFT: Vendors & Crowds enjoyed music at the center stage—complete with a Zydeco flare and foodtrucks.

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PETS Life has a funny way of surprising you in unexpected ways, both in the good times and the bad, while shaping your family, including our furry family members. Gabrielle and Michael Szarek moved to New Town in St. Charles roughly 10 years ago. Their family of three at the time included a sassy toy fox terrier named Bon Jovi (Jovi for short), whom Gabrielle adopted in college. Michael and Jovi always had an interesting dynamic after a notso-great first impression; Jovi attempted to use Michael as a toilet when they first met. Although the two did not always see eye to eye, Bon Jovi certainly added an unmatched sense of humor to their family dynamic over the years. Shortly after the Szareks got married, they adopted Yogi, an English Golden Retriever. Yogi quickly became the loyal, calm leader of the house. He was always looking out for everyone and especially knew how to keep Jovi in line when he got a little more feisty than usual. Yogi and Jovi quickly became best buds, regardless of their 75-pound difference in size. Yogi was the protector, and Jovi was the comic relief. Growing their family certainly took some unexpected turns in the earlier years. Any cloudy day Gabrielle and Michael experienced at the time, they could always count on Jovi and Yogi to be right by their side, with Jovi and Michael even becoming, dare we say, great friends. A few years later, the Szarek family was beyond blessed to welcome two more additions to their family: identical twin boys, Ezekiel and Calvin. Jovi and Yogi took their babysitting duties quite seriously. To no surprise, Jovi took on the entertainer role and would keep the twins giggling. Yogi, being the protector he is, grew PA G E 4 1 | P E TS TWIN LIFE: FURRY FRIEND EDITION

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quite exhausted. He would only nap if the babies were napping and would be the first awake the moment he heard them in the morning. Right before the twins' first Thanksgiving, Jovi got very sick. After countless visits to the vet and several tough days in the emergency animal hospital, the Szareks said goodbye to their beloved Bon Jovi. It was a difficult loss for all, but especially for Yogi, losing his best buddy. The days and months following were especially tough on Yogi, and his anxiety and worry quickly heightened daily. A couple of years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael and Gabrielle discussed the possibility of getting another friend for Yogi. Since both of them were now working from home, they thought it would be a great opportunity to foster some puppies. It would be a chance for Yogi to have some furry companions while Gabrielle and Michael tested out the chaos level of an even busier home, while also finding forever-loving homes for these adorable little pups. A new and happier side of Yogi quickly emerged. It was a no-brainer to recognize how much Yogi needed another buddy by his side. The two puppies were each welcomed into such wonderful homes and to this day are still tremendously loved by their adopted families. Finding Yogi’s new pal didn’t take long. Just a few months later, the Szarek family added Arlow, also an English Golden Retriever, to their now family of six. To say Arlow is the perfect addition this family needed is an understatement. Arlow has that same goofy sense of humor like Jovi and is able to bring out that same joy and playfulness in Yogi. Arlow has an extraordinary PA G E 42 | P E TS

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PETS way of providing comfort and support to anyone in the family at the exact moments they need it. He has brought such an immense amount of love and companionship to everyone in the family, bringing an indescribable sense of their family feeling whole again. As Arlow grew, distinguishing between the two became increasingly difficult. Once fully grown, it was nearly impossible to tell Yogi and Arlow apart. Now, any family walk around the neighborhood sparks countless jokes about the family with two sets of identical twins. As the Szarek family grows and changes through the ups and downs of life, their dogs have always been a constant by their side. More may not always be better in every scenario, but for their family, double has certainly brought the greatest blessings they could’ve ever dreamed of. The Szareks with their furry friends Interested in having your pet featured? Please submit pet photos and bios to: zac@370valley.com Interested in having your pet featured? Please submit pet photos and bios to: zac@370valley.com happenings. P E T S PA G E 4 3 | P E TS

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Even though it might not feel like it at the moment, Spring is quickly approaching, and it is time for you to start planning your garden. Planning ahead makes the most use of your available space, keeps you from overspending and limits wasted time. Use the steps below to help you plan your garden now for a beautiful display in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Think about what you want your garden to do. Is your garden a place to grow food? Provide shade? Feed the birds? Or provide peace and beauty after a long day at work? Once you know what you want your garden to do for you, make that your focus for all your decision-making about the space. Create a layout of your garden. Use pen and paper to sketch out your garden. Google Earth, graph paper and a good #2 pencil will make this easier on you.You will make mistakes and that’s ok, use that old fashioned eraser to change your mind! Once you’ve sketched out the garden, then divide your garden into sections and label them. Sections might be labeled “annuals” or “shady area” or “garden art.” Any label that describes what you want in the section is fine. Measure that space out and write it on your garden IT’S TIME TO layout. PLAN YOUR GARDEN Terri Steffes, President, New Town Garden Club PA G E 4 4 | H O M E

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Create your To Grow list. Each plant has its own growing and blossoming time. Know your zone and the regional climate. In this area we are Zone 6b (-5 to 0°F) or 7a (0-5°). The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plans are most likely to thrive in a location. Determine the maintenance level of each of your plants. Are you willing to spend quality time every day in the garden to tend to your plants, or do you want a garden that needs little guidance? Think about if you want containers to garden in, a hydro garden for vegetables or flowers. Make or purchase garden stakes to identify your plants. Make a list of the plants you decided to grow. Read seed catalogues, visit garden shops and attend your local Garden Club Meetings. Members can share tried and true plants that you may want to consider for your own garden. Know if you want to grow seeds or plants. Be sure you know the sun and water requirements of the plants you choose. For some of you, making a spreadsheet for this information will be valuable. Read the seed packets as there is important information about when you need to sow your seeds, length of time for germination, blossoming time and harvest time. Enjoy your garden! With all this effort, plan to spend time in your garden. Create a cozy spot to read, a place to throw down a blanket to admire your work, or a small table and chairs to enjoy a cool, refreshing drink. Gardening is a lot of hard work, but the dividends are priceless. Your PA G E 4 5 | H O M E

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mental health will thank you! Reach out to the New Town Garden Club by emailing Terri Steffes at terristeffes1117@gmail.com for information on any topics on gardening. We’d love to have you attend our monthly meetings which are held in Town Hall. Dates for all our meetings can be found at newtowngardens.wordpress.com happenings. N E I G H B O R S PA G E 4 6 | H O M E

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Other PA G E F O U R| J O U R N EY Clubs Family F3 FITNESSS CLUB www.f3thechuck.com NEW TOWN YOGA Weekly meetings GARDEN CLUB 3rd Thursday of the month Spring through Fall https://www.facebook.com/groups/364 944010221011 CYCLING Weekly rides http://www.stlbiking.com/mondaygroup-rides.html THE OTHER BOOK CLUB Monthly meeting https://www.facebook.com/groups/648 406315791231 Event Postings: To list your event, please send event details to: zac@370valley.com or call: 636-312- 0422 Club listings: To list your club please send club details and frequency to: zac@370valley.com or call: 636-312- 0422 WOMEN’S CLUB Monthly meeting MEN’S CLUB Weekly meeting at The Commons BOCCE BALL Annual Leagues https://www.ntga.net/bocce-ballleague-rules/ PICKLEBALL Tandem and Mixed Leagues www.newtownpickleball.com NEW TOWN CRAFTER’S MARKET 3/10, 11 AM - 3 PM New Town, Town Hall LINE DANCING Monthly JUICED WHEELS GRAND OPENING March 9, 12 PM - 5 PM 800 N 2nd Street, Frenchtown www.juicedwheels.com happenings. E V E N T S REIKI CIRCLE Monthly MEAD, MEAT & CHEESE TASTING 3/30, 7 - 9 PM M The Commons in New Town IDWEST MAIFEST May 19, 2 PM - 6 PM New Town, St. Charles www.midwestmaifest.org CLIMB SOILL CLIMBING COMP 4/26 - 4/27, during hours of operation www.showdown.climbsoill.com PA G E 4 7 | EVE N TS

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KI D ’S C O R N ER SUMMER CAMPS WITHIN 1O MILES (click on each image to learn more) PA G E 4 8 | KI D ’S C O R N ER

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HAPPENINGS MAGAZINESUMMER CANOE TRIP! Join us for three days two nights on the beautiful Mississippi River Water Trail in the backyard of Orchard Farm. The trip will leave from the Cuivre River Confluence of the Mississippi River and end at Hideaway Harbor. Trip includes camping on beaches of two of the main islands along the route — complete with swimming, sand, bird watching and campfire food. To book your spot and for questions, please e-mail zac@370valley.com or call 636-312-0422